Shopping, done to excess, can spin out of control and lead to serious problems, eroding rather than enhancing your quality of life. The more you use shopping as an attempt to fill an inner void, manage your feelings, repair your mood, or pursue a ‘perfect’ image, the more likely it is that you need to take a closer look at what this behavior is costing you.

April Lane Benson, Ph.D., compulsive shopping treatment expert and author of I Shop Therefore I Am.

Having the love to shop isn’t a problem, but, it becomes problem when you just can’t do without it, in spite of negative consequences.

According to Ruth Engs EdD, a professor of applied health science at Indiana University, Some people can’t do without shopping because, they essentially get addicted to how their brain feels while shopping.

During shopping, their brain releases endorphins and dopamine, and over time, these feelings become addictive.

Engs claims 10 to 15 percent of the population may be predisposed to these feelings.

You lie to your Family about what you buy and how much it costs.

Do you hide your purchases and shopping trips from family or friends?

Do you not know, or not want to admit, how much you shop?

The real stigma is that if someone knew you were in debt when it looked like you had your life together, it makes you seem irresponsible, superficial, materialistic, and that you’re a poor money manager and out of control,

Shulman

You only buy when you feel sad.

A strong sign that you are addicted is when you:

Go shopping because you want to make yourself feel better?

Often buy things because you think they will make you more like your ideal image?

Shop to get rid of negative emotions.

You feel ashamed after finished shopping.

People go for long periods of time without seeking help because of the shame.

People often get overwhelmed and can’t bring themselves to announce to a friend, family member or partner that they’ve been keeping the secret, which keeps them paralyzed in taking that first step.

You’ve really wanted to stop— but couldn’t.

Usually people try to stop on their own, and they may be successful for a short period of time, but usually, something triggers it and they go back into the behavior.

You buy items with your credit cards that you wouldn’t buy if you had to pay cash.

Do you worry about your spending habits, but can’t resist buying online?

You simply can’t resist the urge to make payment online, having known the financial implications. Even, as you can’t do this if you had to pay cash. If this happens – you are undoubtedly addicted to shopping.

Consider contacting a mental health professional if you possess any of the symptoms listed above.